ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:Comprehensive College Planning
constructing critical components for successful search and selection
ABOUT STEPH
Resume, Professional Affiliation, and Community Involvement.)
As the only child of a single parent who did not attend college, we struggled through the college admission process. My college choice has proven to be the keystone for the path I have taken in life, both at the personal and at the professional level. Consequently, I strive to encourage students to enjoy the college selection experience, even under pressure to make what may well be the biggest decision of their lives so far.
Upon graduation from a Catholic high school in Fort Worth, Texas, I attended Regis University in Denver, Colorado where I received both a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Criminal Justice. I worked in the undergraduate admission office all four years as a student employee and as an intern.
After two years as Assistant Director of Admission at Rockhurst University, I went on to earn a Master's in Public Administration and Policy Analysis from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, while working full-time for three years as an admission representative for the university. It was during this time when I discovered the appeal of working with students and parents throughout the college search process and realized that a role in a high school community was more suitable for my personality.
Upon completion of my Master’s, I accepted the position of College Counselor and Guidance Department Chair at Saint Teresa’s Academy. My duties at STA also allowed me to serve as the standardized testing coordinator (PSAT, PLAN, AP, and ACT), as well as the faculty moderator for the National Honor Society. But most importantly, my six years at STA validated my career decision and intensified my passion for college counseling.
I possess true zeal for guiding students and their families through the experience of profound self-exploration, requisite growth, and development of effective decision making that is inherent in a successful college search process. My extensive education, knowledge, professional relationships, and experience, both as an admission representative and as a high school counselor, make me highly qualified to work with your family during this pivotal time in life. And as an independent college consultant, I am able to dedicate more quality time, as well as a personal approach, adapted to the specific needs of each student and family.
